Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious side dish that the whole family will love, look no further than these Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas. Bursting with vibrant flavor from fresh garlic, parmesan, and a touch of lemon, these crisp-tender snap peas are sure to become a new weeknight staple.
Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but these Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas are also highly versatile. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete and satisfying meal, or enjoy them on their own as a healthy snack.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What’s not to love about these Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas? The combination of sweet, tender snap peas with the savory, garlicky, and slightly salty parmesan cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, they come together in just 15 minutes, making them the perfect last-minute side dish.
The texture contrast is also incredibly satisfying – the crisp-tender snap peas paired with the crunchy parmesan topping is a match made in heaven. And because the ingredients are so accessible, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime, even on busy weeknights.
Best of all, these Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas are incredibly versatile. They can be made ahead of time and reheated, or even frozen for future use. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a healthy snack, this recipe has you covered.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas ❓
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of fresh, crisp sugar snap peas, savory parmesan cheese, and fragrant garlic creates a truly delicious and satisfying side dish that has made it a perennial favorite.
📝 How to Make Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Add the blanched sugar snap peas to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss to combine.
• Step 4: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the peas are heated through.
• Step 5: Serve the Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes
Compared to traditional side dishes that can take up to 30 minutes to prepare, this Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas recipe saves you 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 319mg
These Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas provide approximately 15% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 10% of your daily vitamin K needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the lemon juice or use a smaller amount to reduce the carb count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the butter with olive oil or avocado oil, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
• Added protein: Top the cooked snap peas with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add thinly sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the pan for additional veggie goodness.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with roasted potatoes or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the snap peas with a creamy soup or a light, refreshing citrus-based salad.
• For a picnic or potluck, serve the Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas chilled or at room temperature.
• Create a beautiful veggie platter with the snap peas, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices for a healthy and visually appealing appetizer.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Burning the garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks, as it can quickly go from fragrant to bitter if left in the pan for too long.
• Using the wrong type of parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than the pre-shredded variety.
• Skipping the lemon juice: The lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note that helps to balance the richness of the parmesan and butter.
• Not seasoning properly: Be sure to taste the snap peas and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking for maximum flavor.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Blanch the snap peas, then toss them with the garlic butter and parmesan. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked snap peas to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat the snap peas, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas ahead of time?
Absolutely! These snap peas can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Simply store the cooked snap peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. You can also freeze the unbaked or baked snap peas for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute frozen snap peas for fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen snap peas in this recipe. Simply skip the blanching step and add the frozen snap peas directly to the garlic butter mixture. They may take an extra minute or two to heat through, but the end result will be just as delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
With a few simple modifications, this recipe can be adapted to fit a low-carb or keto diet. Reduce or omit the lemon juice, and use a low-carb or dairy-free parmesan cheese alternative. These changes will significantly reduce the carb content while maintaining the essential flavors.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic on hand?
In a pinch, you can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that the flavor won’t be quite as robust, but it will still provide that essential garlic punch.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! These Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas are incredibly versatile. You can toss in sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even halved cherry tomatoes to boost the vegetable content. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
These Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick and easy side dish or enjoying them as a healthy snack, they’re sure to impress with their crisp-tender texture and irresistible garlic-parmesan flavor profile.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
